Morocco Family Holiday: Planning a Trip with Kids

A happy family trip is all about pace, variety and a few unforgettable moments, and Morocco delivers all three. Children love camel rides, colorful souks, beaches and riads with courtyards to explore, while parents enjoy the culture, food and landscapes. Moroccans are also known for their warmth towards children, and families are welcome almost everywhere.

Here’s how to plan a Morocco family holiday that works for everyone.

Is Morocco good for families?

Yes, with good planning. Flights from Europe are short, food is familiar enough for most children, and accommodation ranges from family-friendly hotels with pools to riads that can be booked exclusively. The main things to manage are long drives, summer heat and busy medinas.

Kid-friendly activities in Morocco

• Camel rides in the Sahara, the Agafay desert or along the beach in Essaouira and Agadir
• A night in a desert camp, with stargazing and drums around the fire. Read our Sahara trip guide
• Cooking classes where children make their own bread or tagine
• Gardens in Marrakech, such as the Jardin Majorelle and Le Jardin Secret
• Beaches in Agadir, Essaouira and Taghazout, including surf lessons for older children
• Short hikes and mule rides in the Atlas Mountains
• Pottery, weaving or crafts workshops in the medina
• A hot-air balloon flight near Marrakech, for older children

Choosing the right route

With children, less is more. Instead of crossing the country, choose two or three bases and limit driving to around four or five hours a day.

Example 8-day family itinerary:

1. Days 1–3: Marrakech. A riad or hotel with a pool, a medina tour, gardens and a cooking class.
2. Day 4: The Atlas Mountains. A village walk and lunch with a local family.
3. Days 5–6: Agafay desert or Essaouira. A camel ride, sunset and a night under the stars, or beach time.
4. Days 7–8: Agadir or Essaouira. Relaxing by the sea before flying home.

Families with older children and more time can add a 4-day Sahara loop to Merzouga. Our Marrakech & the Atlantic Coast tour is a good family-friendly base to adapt.

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal. School holidays at Easter and in October fall in comfortable seasons. Summer is very hot inland, so focus on the coast and mountains if you travel in July or August. Our guide to the best time to visit Morocco explains the seasons.

Practical tips for families

• Transport: a private driver gives you flexibility for breaks. Child seats aren’t standard in taxis, so request them in advance for private transfers.
• Accommodation: look for family rooms or connecting rooms, and ask about pools. Some riads have steep stairs and open courtyards, so check if you have toddlers.
• Food: bread, grilled chicken, couscous, omelets and fresh fruit appeal to most children. Stick to bottled water.
• Sun: bring hats, high-SPF sunscreen and light long sleeves.
• Medinas: busy lanes can be overwhelming, so use a guide and a baby carrier rather than a stroller.
• Health: pack a small first-aid kit and any regular medication, and take out travel insurance.

For more general advice, read 7 things to know before traveling to Morocco.